MEET OUR FARMERS

QUALITY THROUGH COOPERATION

Our farmers in Homer, Alaska are passionate about peonies. We work together to share knowledge and improve our product. We use sustainable farming practices to cultivate peonies along the coast and in the hills above Kachemak Bay. With farms distributed over a range of elevations, we have the longest harvest period in the State. We are often able to supply farm fresh flowers starting in late June.

ALASKA HOMESTEAD PEONIES

Spek and Ina Jones are both children of families who homesteaded on the lower Kenai Peninsula before statehood. Their land is located close to the original Jones’ homestead near the head of Kachemak Bay. Spek and Ina’s farm is a family business. The ranch part of their business includes raising beef cattle, horses and hay. Farming is not new to the family, but peonies are a new endeavor. Their children, along with their families, live on the farm as well and are an integral part of the family business. Their grandchildren are learning the same values that Spek and Ina learned from their parents. These lessons include the satisfaction of a job well done and to understand that we are all stewards of the land. We farm the land in a manner that is sustainable, preserving the homestead for the next generation to come.

BOREALIS BLOOMS

Bronwyn and Heather are sisters who started their peony farm in 2012. The Borealis Blooms peony field is located in the hills above Homer. The higher elevation combined with the region’s cool maritime climate results in a later bloom time than even most Alaska peonies.

DIAMOND RIDGE RESOURCES

One of the activities of Diamond Ridge Resources is the cultivation of Peonies. Our home on Diamond ridge provides a late spring, cool nights, and maritime breeze. With care and perseverance we grow and harvest quality flowers.

KILCHER CANYON PEONIES

Located on the historic Kilcher Homestead, Charlotte and Otto Kilcher grow peonies along with their other farm and ranching operations. Otto was born and raised a homesteader and Charlotte joined him in the adventure 28 years ago in 1990.

The peony field was established in 2010. Having a modest total of 450 plants, Charlotte is able to manage the day to day work on her own keeping it simple and hands on. Otto’s contributions include ingenuity and precision establishing the flower beds, having all the right equipment needed along with being the best cheerleader and go to fix it guy for all farm problems. Yay team! Who wouldn’t love being surrounded by heavenly peonies all summer!

As a small scale grower, membership in ABPC is advantageous for joining forces with other farms to collectively offer larger quantities, varieties and a longer growing season than would be possible alone.

LATE BLOOMER

We are a small, hand-tended, sustainable peony farm. My husband runs our commercial Salmon fishing boat. I work as a Registered Nurse. Our daughters and their children also help manage our farm nestled in the hills above Kachemak Bay. We have lived in Homer, Alaska for 40 years and are excited that we have peonies available during July and into September.

MOSS ISLAND FARMS

Marie and Ron Bader, owners of Moss Island Farms, have an “urban” peony farm right in the heart of Homer. For 26 years the Bader’s have farmed oysters and mussels at their home in Peterson Bay, and have tilled their garden soils for decades more. Thus, a soil-based peony farm along with a marketing/delivery co-op fits right into their interests and energies.

PEONY PATCH

Peonies are a delightful addition to our property. With just 1000 roots in the ground we’re a real Mom and Pop operation. Vision tends the field and Don keeps all the equipment running. We are enjoying the challenge of being 21st century farmers; creating a harvestable crop, using local organic products, while merging naturally with the existing environment.

RARE BIRD PEONIES

Anha Iredale (ahnairedale.com) is an artist specializing in pottery who farms 10 varieties of peonies in hills above Homer. She employs organic methods in caring for her flowers. Ahna has a line of vases made for optimum display of peonies.

WILLOW DRIVE GARDENS

Willow Drive Gardens is a family run farm overlooking Kachemak Bay. We nurture our children alongside eight varieties of peonies. We believe in sustainable farming, fostering a healthy soil web through the use of cover crops, compost and other natural inputs such as kelp and fish waste to produce outrageous flowers under the midnight sun.